Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Food as art
RIP Jan Berenstain
This week the co-creator of the Berenstain Bears, Jan Berenstain passed away. NPR did a lovely article about Jan and the books she and her husband wrote and illustrated. I have such fond memories of laying in the living room in the sun reading these books. What a sad day.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Weekly Reading List [2.24.12]
Let's start the weekend off with some creativity...
1. INSANE ART FORMED BY CARVING BOOKS WITH SURGICAL TOOLS & REPACKAGED - Both artists take books and create art with them. I really love the work that Brian Dettmer does, so complex.
Now some science...
2. ALKALI METALS & DISPOSAL OF SODIUM (see below) - I came across these videos this week, and was instantly transported back to high school science class. Does anybody else wish that they still had the opportunity to learn things across a variety of disciplines? I'm pretty sure that if I could go back, high school would be much more appreciated.
Let's end with some current events...
3. RUMORS OF IMMINENT EXECUTION OF IRANIAN PASTOR UNCONFIRMED & SAVE CHRISTIAN PASTOR FROM IRANIAN DEATH SENTENCE & IRAN COURT CONVICTS CHRISTIAN PASTOR TO DEATH- It's awesome when issues of persecution make the news. It's been 864 days that Yousef Nadarkhani has been imprisoned for leaving Islam. Despite all the international attention, it is just rumor right now that the lower court has signed Nadarkhani's execution papers. My understanding is that once those papers are signed, the execution can be carried out at any time, without notice to the family or legal counsel. This is certainly a man we need to pray for. Pray for his continued strength, for the witness of his testimony, and for his family. I can not imagine how difficult the past years have been for them. Please consider signing the petition (link above) and if your on Twitter send a message with the hashtags #Nadarkhani #SecClinton to raise awareness.
4. FISHING SLAVES ON THE HIGH SEAS & WHAT'S THE ROLE OF FAITH IN FIGHTING SLAVERY - If you've given up meat on Friday's and find yourself eating more fish this Lent season, you should really take a look at the article on slavery on the high seas. When we think of slavery most of us think of young girls who have been trafficked into brothel or prostitution situations. But slavery occurs in many ways, these young men are forced to work in dangerous conditions, against their will. It's something to think about the next time you go to McDonald's and get that Fish O'Fillet. If this stuff interests you, you should check out Slavery Foot Print. They have a quiz you can take to figure out how many slaves work for you, to make the clothes you wear, the food you eat, etc. Lastly, there is an AMAZING anti-trafficking group here in the Bay Area called Not For Sale their founder David Batstone wrote a great piece on CNN about the role of faith in fighting trafficking. I really love this man, he is doing great work, raising awareness, raising up young leaders, and working wholistically with his faith.
5. A PAGE FROM KHARTOUM'S PLAYBOOK - The people of South Sudan have suffered greatly through the decades. Recently, they won a huge victory, and seceded from Sudan. Maybe that's what makes this story even sadder. Sudan has many ethnic groups, tribes abound in this region, and it's truly tragic to see one, formerly oppressed group turn around and oppress another group.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Entertainment?
J. and I took a very spontaneous trip to LA last weekend. Stayed in Rancho Cucomonga. Rode/ran up and down Mt. Baldy. Had dinner at Big Bear (suffered through freezing temps in our little wimpy spring jackets). Spent the day cruising around LA (Chinese Theatre, Sunset Blvd, Beverly Hills, etc.). And ended the day in Venice Beach, where we discovered many amazing, unique, eccentric individuals. Such as the sexy saxophone player, who yes, walked up and down the beach playing this song and entertaining anyone close enough to hear him. It was a great weekend!
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Lent
If you are looking for some meditations to follow for the season of Lent, I would recommend checking out St. John's meditation booklet. Here is the link: http://www.stjohnsross.org/documents/2012lentbook.pdf
Also, my small group is keeping a blog together, another great way to participate in our Lent journey. The link is: http://tamabbey.blogspot.com/
*Any good resources you want to share?!*
Grilled Cheese...
I LOVE grilled cheese sandwiches. So when I saw this article on how to make it better, I knew I had to try it. So two nights ago, J. and I had grilled cheese for dinner. I bought a block of extra sharp cheddar cheese and grated it. I also used mayo on the outside for some extra tang. And I DIDN't take my eyes off the griddle. I have to say, they were pretty good! I will definitely be grating the cheese from now on; that made a huge difference. I also might try some mustard or horseradish next time. Oh the joys!Friday, February 17, 2012
Weekly Reading List [2.17.12]
1. I LOVE MY WIFE. MY WIFE IS DEAD - I have become slightly obsessed with "Letters of Note." First, if you are on twitter, you should follow the editor, Shaun Usher [@LettersOfNote]. Second, I really loved Wednesday's post "I love my wife. My wife is dead" The note is written by Richard Feynman, an influential physicist to his wife who passed away several years before. It is written with such love and longing, the tremendous loss that he feels just bleeds through the note.
2. EVEN CRITICS OF SAFETY NET INCREASINGLY DEPEND ON IT - I know I've shared article about the growing economic gap (perceived or real), but this one was very fascinating. It made me think about what government subsidies I receive or touch my life that I might not realize. It's amazing how this debate has become an "us vs. them" issue. Even if us is them.
3. REMEMBERING ROGER BOISJOLY - NPR did a story about the 1986 Shuttle Challenger launch. The story centers around Roger Boisjoly, who passed away this month in Utah at the age of 73. Prior to the launch, Roger raised some red flags around some mechanical issues that could cause an explosion; which as we know is what happened. It's his story about speaking up, being ignored and the grave consequences that followed. I haven't listened to the podcast yet, but it's on my list for this afternoon.
4. OBAMA'S BAFFLING CATHOLIC DECISION: BIRTH CONTROL TRUMPS FREEDOM & THE DAILY SHOW [see below] & PUBLIC DIVIDED OVER BIRTH CONTROL INSURANCE MANDATE - One of my favorite groups The Becket Fund for Religious Freedom has been all over this! They are helping to file several suits on behalf of churches and religious institutions (Check out some of their articles/press releases; Unacceptable, HHS Contraception Mandate Challenge). As Hannah Smith, senior counsel noted “The government knows that [most] employer-based insurance plans already cover these services. So it’s not about expanding contraceptive access. It’s about forcing religious-based organizations to provide this against their beliefs.”I've also included a clip from the Daily Show, highlighting the absurdity of a panel of all men, white old men, talking about women's contraceptive needs. Just to be clear, for me this is NOT an issue about women's health or reproductive rights, this is a RELIGIOUS issue, a first amendment issue.
5. Review of "DANGEROUS TALES: DOMINANT NARRATIVES ON THE CONGO AND THEIR UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES" - Another twitter suggestion for the week. If you are at all interested in issues in Africa (esp. the Congo) Laura Seay @texasinafrica is awesome! Super knowledgeable, academic but also journalistic in what she shares, follow her! On her blog this week she did a review of a piece by Severine Autesserre. If you have any interest in international politics, I think this is a must read. She has a link to the original piece, which I am going to read this weekend.
*We're off to LA for the weekend. Happy long weekend to me!*
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Happy Valentines Day...
There are some great valentines out this year...here are a few favs!
(via @nprnews, @sesamestreet)
Monday, February 13, 2012
Briefing to the General Assembly [Syria]
Briefing to the General Assembly [text from Turtle Bay]
Navi Pillay, High Commissioner for Human Rights
[Syria]
Mr. President,
Distinguished Members of the General Assembly,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I thank you for the invitation to address you on the human rights situation in Syria under the agenda item “Human Rights Council.” The worsening human rights situation in Syria has prompted the Human Rights Council to hold three special sessions, to dispatch one fact-finding mission and one independent Commission of Inquiry. The President of the Human Rights Council shared the report of the Commission of Inquiry with this Assembly on 29 November last year.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Allow me to now update you on the current human rights situation in Syria.
The violent Government crackdown on peaceful protests demanding freedom, dignity and social justice in Syria has continued unabated for eleven months now. While no exact figures can be provided due to our lack of access to the country, credible reports indicate that Syrian security forces killed well above 5,400 people last year, including civilians as well as military personnel who refused to shoot civilians. Due to extreme difficulties in substantiating the events on the ground, it has become almost impossible for my Office to update the death toll in the past two months. However, we are certain that the number of dead and injured continues to rise every day. Tens of thousands, including children, have beenarrested, with more than 18,000 reportedly still arbitrarily held in detention. Thousands more are reported missing. 25,000 people are estimated to havesought refuge in neighbouring and other countries. And more than 70,000 are estimated to have been internally displaced.
While the protests have remained largely peaceful, reports of armed attacks by anti-government fighters against Syrian forces have increased, also with consequences on civilians. According to the Government, some 2000 military and security personnel have been killed.
I am particularly appalled by the ongoing onslaught on Homs. Since 3 February, in further escalation of its assault, the Government has used tanks, mortars, rockets and artillery to pummel the city of Homs. According to credible accounts, the Syrian army has shelled densely populated neighborhoods of Homs in what appears to be an indiscriminate attack on civilian areas. More than 300 people have reportedly been killed in the city since the start of this assault ten days ago. The majority of them were victims of the shelling.
Reports indicate that hospitals, which were already struggling to cope with all those injured in recent weeks, are now overwhelmed. People have set up makeshift clinics throughout the beleaguered city. Medical supplies have been depleted. Shells have struck at least three makeshift clinics resulting in casualties.
Due to heavy shelling, residents have been effectively trapped in areas under attack. Electricity and communication have been cut off in some neighborhoods. And food remains scarce.
The humanitarian situation in Homs is simply deplorable. Similar accounts of intensifying assault and worsening of humanitarian situation have been received from Zabadani, Dar’a, and al-Rastan. The risk of a humanitarian crisis throughout Syria is rising.
The failure of the Security Council to agree on firm collective action appears to have emboldened the Syrian Government to launch an all-out assault in an effort to crush dissent with overwhelming force. Yet, as the Secretary-General has said, “the lack of agreement in the Security Council gives no license to the Syrian authorities to step up the attacks on the Syrian population. No government can commit such acts against its people without its legitimacy being eroded.” “The appalling brutality we are witnessing in Homs…is a grim harbinger of worse to come.”
Excellencies,
The nature and scale of abuses committed by Syrian forces indicate that crimes against humanity are likely to have been committed since March 2011.Independent, credible and corroborated accounts indicate that these abuses have taken place as part of a widespread and systematic attack on civilians. Furthermore, the breadth and patterns of attacks by military and security forces on civilians and the widespread destruction of homes, hospitals, schools and other civilian infrastructure indicate approval or complicity of the authorities at the highest levels.
Since anti-government protests started, security forces and Government-supportedShabbiha militias have been responsible for killing thousands of people through attacks on peaceful protests and in large-scale military operations in several cities. They have used a ‘shoot-to-kill’ policy to crush peaceful protests. Several defectors from military and security forces have said that they received orders from their commanders to shoot unarmed protesters without warning. Snipers on rooftops are reported to have targeted protestors, ambulances, and bystanders who were trying to rescue the wounded and collect the bodies of those killed.
Civilians have borne the brunt of the violence, as cities such as Homs, Hama, Dera’a and Idlib have been blockaded and curfews imposed. During the blockades, residents have not been able to obtain water, food and medical supplies. Military and security forces have targeted residential water tanks and water pipes. The blockades had often made it impossible to get the injured to hospitals.
Hospitals have been used as detention and torture facilities. Ambulances have come under fire, and many of the injured and sick have been turned away from public hospitals in several cities. Wounded detainees have been subjected to torture and other forms of ill-treatment in military hospitals. Evidence gathered indicates that doctors and medical workers have been pursued, arrested, and tortured by the security forces. Increasingly, most of the wounded avoid going to public hospitals for fear of being arrested or tortured. The injured are largely treated in underground hospitals established in apartments, on farms, and at private homes. Hygiene and sterilization conditions are rudimentary and the mere possession of medical supplies is being punished.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Reliable information indicates that Syrian military and security forces have launched massive campaigns of arrest, arbitrarily detaining thousands of protestors, activists and other suspected of anti-Government sentiments or activities. Some have been involuntarily and forcibly disappeared.
Credible information show patterns of systematic and widespread use of torture in interrogation and detention facilities by Security forces. According to information provided by army defectors, they received orders from their commanding officers to torture.
Extensive reports of sexual violence, in particular rape, in places of detention, primarily against men and boys, are particularly disturbing.
Children have not been spared. Children have been killed by beating, sniper fire and shelling from Government security forces in several places throughout Syria. As of the end of January, security forces have killed more than 400 children. Children, as young as 10, have been subjected to arbitrary arrest and detention. Children have been kept in solitary confinement. They have also been kept in overcrowded cells with adults, often deprived of food and water. Schools have been used as detention facilities, sniper post and military bases.
Distinguished Members of the General Assembly,
I am outraged by these serious violations. I am very distressed that the continued ruthless repression and deliberate stirring of sectarian tensions might soon plunge Syria into civil war. The longer the international community fails to take action, the more the civilian population will suffer from countless atrocities committed against them.
This Assembly, in its resolution of 19 December 2011, condemned human rights violations and use of force against civilians by Syrian authorities. It called on Syria to comply with its obligations under human rights law. However, the gross, widespread and systematic human rights violations have not only continued but also sharply escalated.
Excellencies,
The Government of Syria has manifestly failed to fulfil its obligation to protect its population. Each and every member of the international community must act now to urgently protect the Syrian population.
The League of Arab States has responded resolutely to the events in Syria and its efforts should be supported. Unfortunately Syria failed to fully comply with the League’s Observer Mission and persisted in its violent crackdown. The League should continue its effort to compel Syria to end the violence. My Office remains ready to provide appropriate assistance to the League of Arab States if the League so requests.
International and independent monitoring bodies, including my Office and the independent Commission of Inquiry must also be allowed into Syria. And humanitarian actors must be guaranteed immediate, unhindered access.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The Fact-Finding Mission, the Commission of Inquiry on Syria, and I myself have all concluded that crimes against humanity are likely to have been committed in Syria. I have encouraged the Security Council to refer the situation to the International Criminal Court. All Member States must ensure that these crimes do not go unpunished.
Yet, these crimes continue to be committed as I speak.
The Universal Declaration for Human Rights, adopted by this Assembly more than 60 years ago, makes clear that it is essential, if man is not to be compelled to have recourse, as a last resort, to rebellion against tyranny and oppression, that human rights should be protected by the rule of law. The people of Syria are asking for the rights that every human being is entitled to. And they are looking to this Assembly to speak with one voice to support them in this endeavour.
Thank you.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Weekly Reading List [2.10.12]
This week's theme - "Things that make me nervous..."
1. U.S. AND ISRAEL SPLIT ON SPEED OF IRAN THREAT - There has been all kinds of rhetoric around Iran and the nuclear issue. I really admire the work that the Obama administration and the Treasury have been doing around sanctions. What I've read is that for the first time (ever, or in a long time) these seem to be having a true impact. So I'm a little confused, by the continued hype of the media around Iran. All that to say, I thought this was a great piece. Very informative, and expands on the issue a little bit.
2. DRONES GITMO & DRAWDOWN - First of all, this article has some great stats around the Obama administration's foreign policy and how it's perceived. One thing really stood out to me, "83% of Americans approve of the use of drones" This terrifies me!! Largely because it is terribly short sighted. I've read other articles describing out the US government is already using drones on U.S. soil. Also check out this article CONGRESS OKs FAA BILL ALLOWING DRONES IN US. Which requires the FAA "to provide military, commercial and privately-owned drones with expanded access to U.S. airspace currently reserved for manned aircraft by September 30, 2015. That means permitting unmanned drones controlled by remote operators on the ground to fly in the same airspace as airlines, cargo planes, business jets and private aircraft." Does anyone else see some potential problems?! I worry how far this can go, and what protections are in place around their use (so far, none that I know of).
3. OUSTING SYRIA'S ASSAD: WHOSE RESPONSIBILITY IS IT? - I love The Week magazine. If you are interested in current events, but don't have time/energy to weed through tons of info, check it out! Great concise articles, which are informative. They did a great piece on Syria this week. I also saw today, that a bipartisan group of Senators are calling for Support for the Syrian Opposition. I love what Secretary Clinton said, "The status quo is unsustainable...The longer the Assad regime continues its attacks on the Syrian people and stands in the way of peaceful transition, the greater the concern that instability will escalate and spill throughout the region."
4. Some pre-weekend awesomeness - check out this artist's work - http://katebingamanburt.com
She drew all of her purchases and credit card statements until her credit bills were all paid off. Her doodles are amazing! She also did some great work with IDEO, on a project to help educate teens about sex. Awesome work!
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Letters of Note...
I came across this site today "Letters of Note" It's VERY COOL!! They describe themselves as attempting "to gather and sort fascinating letters, postcards, telegrams, faxes and memos. Today's letter was particularly lovely and worth sharing, tragically Sullivan was never able to post the letter and after his death a week later the note was found among his things and delivered to his widow.
July 14, 1861Camp Clark, Washington
My very dear Sarah,
The indications are very strong that we shall move in a few days – perhaps tomorrow. Lest I should not be able to write again, I feel impelled to write a few lines that may fall under your eye when I shall be no more. Our movements may be of a few days’ duration and full of pleasure – and it may be of some conflict and death to me. "Not my will, but thine, O God be done." If it is necessary that I should fall on the battlefield for my Country, I am ready.
I have no misgivings about, or lack of confidence in, the cause in which I am engaged, and my courage does not halt or falter. I know how strongly American Civilization now leans on the triumph of the Government, and how great a debt we owe to those who went before us through the blood and sufferings of the Revolution. And I am willing – perfectly willing – to lay down all my joys in this life, to help maintain this Government, and to pay that debt.
Sarah, my love for you is deathless. It seems to bind me with mighty cables that nothing but Omnipotence could break; and yet my love of Country comes over me like a strong wind and burns unresistibly on with all these chains to the battlefield.
The memories of the blissful moments I have spent with you come creeping over me, and I feel most gratified to God and to you that I have enjoyed them so long. And hard it is for me to give them up and burn to ashes the hopes of future years, when, God willing, we might still have lived and loved together, and seen our sons grown up to honorable manhood around us. I have, I know, but few and small claims upon Divine Providence, but something whispers to me – perhaps it is the wafted prayer of my little Edgar – that I shall return to my loved ones unharmed. If I do not, my dear Sarah, never forget how much I love you, and when my last breath escapes me on the battlefield, it will whisper your name. Forgive my many faults, and the many pains I have caused you. How thoughtless and foolish I have often times been! How gladly would I wash out with my tears every little spot upon your happiness, and struggle with all the misfortunes of this world to shield you and your children from harm. But I cannot. I must watch you from the Spirit-land and hover near you, while you buffet the storm, with your precious little freight, and wait with sad patience till we meet to part no more.
But, O Sarah! If the dead can come back to this earth and flit unseen around those they loved, I shall always be near you; in the gladdest days and in the darkest nights, advised to your happiest scenes and gloomiest hours, always, always, and if there be a soft breeze upon your cheek, it shall be my breath; as the cool air fans your throbbing temple, it shall be my spirit passing by. Sarah, do not mourn me dead; think I am gone and wait for thee, for we shall meet again.
As for my little boys – they will grow up as I have done, and never know a father's love and care. Little Willie is too young to remember me long, and my blue-eyed Edgar will keep my frolics with him among the deep memories of childhood. Sarah, I have unlimited confidence in your maternal care and your development of their character, and feel that God will bless you in your holy work.
Tell my two Mothers I call God's blessing upon them. O! Sarah. I wait for you there; come to me and lead thither my children.
Sullivan
Awesome design!!
I've been working for a creative company this week and am loving the exposure to creative people and their designs and ideas. My co-worker sent me an online portfolio this afternoon. It is seriously awesome. The artist is Wendy MacNaughton, let your online adventure begin...here.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Weekly Reading List [2.5.12]
1. IN WHICH I FIX MY GIRLFRIEND'S GRANDPARENTS' WIFI AND AM HAILED AS A CONQUERING HERO - A bit of literary pleasure for your weekend...
2. TAX SYSTEM SEEN AS UNFAIR, IN NEED OF OVERHAUL & RISING SHARE OF AMERICANS SEE CONFLICT BETWEEN RICH AND POOR - The Pew Research Center for People and the Press did some great surveys on American's view of the tax system and the fairness and value of their contribution. Very interesting insight into the ongoing class conflict highlighted by the media and the OWS movement. Along those lines, I read a great op-ed in the NYT, "Don't mind the Gap." The author makes a great comment, "While a December Gallup poll found few respondents wanting the government to attempt to reduce the income gap between rich and poor, 70 percent said it was important for the government to increase opportunities for people to get ahead. What the public wants is not a war on the rich but more policies that promote opportunity."
3. A REVIEW OF 'THE WAL-MART EFFECT' AND 'WAL-MART' - A review of two books about Wal-Mart and the philosophy and impact of this bohemoth company. It's looooong. But well worth the read.
4. THE MEDIA'S ABORTION BLINDERS - Susan G. Komen's decision to pull approximately $700,000 in grant funding to Planned Parenthood has been hot news all week. I've been amazed (although I probably shouldn't have been) at the amount of press/criticism they received. I'm saddened to see people on the one hand criticize them of caving to political pressure, but then applying the same political pressure which eventually forced them to reverse their decision. This is a great synopsis of the whole situation with a critical look at the role of the media.
5. THE RISE OF THE SOMALI CAPITAL - A gathering of short-stories about the Somali diaspora and the value and struggle that they face in Kenya.
*What are you reading? Do tell!*
When it rains it pours...
After feeling like I might never find a job, I suddenly am overwhelmed with interviews and short-term contracting jobs. It's been an amazing week!
Starting this week, I'm working full-time for my former employer, IDEO. I'm working with the contract recruiting team, helping fill those extra short-term slots while also helping with the team building process. I'm really excited! It's going to be a great 3 weeks, and everyone has given me such a warm and friendly welcome. It's good to be around friends again.
Second, I have had several interviews with a great non-profit here in the Bay Area. It would be a great opportunity, raising funds to expand the vision, learning more about development, even growing into managing my own accounts! Wow! Final interview is tomorrow. Wish me luck!
There are others, but I won't go on about all of them. Needless to say, two weeks ago I was depressed and frustrated, today I'm feeling hopeful again. Stay tuned!!
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